Archive for the ‘acupuncture’ Category

Alternative Headache and Migraine Remedies

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Acupuncture

More and more people are benefiting from the Asian tradition of acupuncture. These days, trained doctors, physiotherapists, and/or nurses can administer this therapy. Tiny sterile needles are positioned into the skin at specific points in the body, according to the illness; needles are positioned uniquely for migraine headaches. “Western” acupuncture uses the above-trained professionals, but migraine suffers can also seek “traditional”, or Eastern acupuncture, which is administered by a trained acupuncturist.

Relaxation

This therapy is simple and autonomous: no need for outside manipulation or treatment! It includes the practices of deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, muscle relaxation, and meditation. Whatever helps you relax can work. You can also try positive visualization (thinking of something that makes you happy) or lying quietly and still for a while. Self-hypnosis, or deep relaxation, can be learned to provide this same benefit.

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Alternative Headache and Migraine Remedies

Monday, November 3rd, 2008

Acupuncture

More and more people are benefiting from the Asian tradition of acupuncture. These days, trained doctors, physiotherapists, and/or nurses can administer this therapy. Tiny sterile needles are positioned into the skin at specific points in the body, according to the illness; needles are positioned uniquely for migraine headaches. “Western” acupuncture uses the above-trained professionals, but migraine suffers can also seek “traditional”, or Eastern acupuncture, which is administered by a trained acupuncturist.

Relaxation

This therapy is simple and autonomous: no need for outside manipulation or treatment! It includes the practices of deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, muscle relaxation, and meditation. Whatever helps you relax can work. You can also try positive visualization (thinking of something that makes you happy) or lying quietly and still for a while. Self-hypnosis, or deep relaxation, can be learned to provide this same benefit.

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Natural Headache Remedies

Friday, October 17th, 2008

Many of us may be too dependent on over-the-counter painkillers to treat the occasional headache, especially given the side effects of such drugs. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can increase the risk of heart and circulation problems — including heart attack and stroke — and is also tough on the digestive tract. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been linked to nausea, diarrhea, and kidney and liver problems. Many natural health care practitioners disparage drugs for merely masking the symptoms of larger problems.

All headaches are not the same and gobbling down pain pills will not address the causes, whatever they may be. Some headaches are caused by tension; others stem from sinus congestion, caffeine withdrawal, constipation, food allergies, spinal misalignment or lack of sleep. And then there are migraines, which researchers think are neurological in nature: The brain fails to constrict the nerve pathways that open the arteries to the brain, resulting in a pounding headache as blood flows in unchecked. Assessing what kind of headache you may have can help lead the way to a solution beyond deadening the pain with a pill.

To make tension headaches go away, the Farmers’ Almanac recommends applying an ice pack to the neck and upper back, or, even better, getting someone to massage those areas. Also, soaking the feet in hot water can divert blood from your head to your feet, easing any kind of headache pain in the process.

Another all-natural headache cure is acupressure (like acupuncture, but without the needles), which promotes healing throughout the body by stimulating channels of energy known as meridians. Victoria Abreo, alternative medicine editor for the website BellaOnline, says that anyone suffering from a tension headache can employ a simple acupressure technique to help relieve the pain: “With one hand, press the shallow indention in the back of the head at the base of the skull. Simultaneously, with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, press firmly into the upper hollows of the eye sockets, right where they straddle the bridge of the nose and meet the ‘t’ of the eyebrow bridge.” She says to press softy at first, and then more firmly, holding for three to five minutes.

As for migraines, avoiding certain trigger foods might be key to staving them off. Abreo says migraine sufferers should try steering clear of dairy products, processed meat, red wine, caffeine and chocolate. New research has shown that some people with specific dietary deficiencies are more prone to migraines.

According to Dr. Linda White, who writes about natural health for Mother Earth News, some recent clinical trials have shown three nutritional supplements—magnesium, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10—to be particularly effective at reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. Also, a number of herbs—including feverfew, butterbur, lavender, gingko biloba, rosemary and chamomile—have proven track records in preventing or stopping migraines. Since herbs can be potent and are not regulated or tested, headache sufferers should consult a trusted doctor or naturopath before using alternative remedies.

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Acupuncture For Migraine And Sinus Headaches

Friday, September 19th, 2008

If you suffer from headaches ? whether they be migraine or sinus headaches ? you might automatically think of popping a pill. But for a more natural remedy — and one that?s gaining momentum all the time — think about acupuncture for sinus headache migrains.

The thought of acupuncture makes many people cringe. But the art and craft of acupuncture is gaining popularity among people who don?t want to take pain pills or other drugs, but who are looking for natural, pure remedies.

Simply put, acupuncture is the delicate insertion of very thin needles at various points on the body to relieve pain or promote healing. Relief of sinus, tension and migraine headaches is a common impetus for acupuncture treatment, but it?s used for a variety of other needs, including healing after injury, relief from the pain and discomfort of chemotherapy, and a variety of other ailments and illnesses.

It?s believed that inserting the needles at specific points in the body realigns the body?s electrical fields which helps to relieve pain or promote the healing necessary for recovery from injury or disease.

As for headaches, the use of acupuncture is gaining in popularity thanks both to the acceptance the practice is gaining in traditional circles, and reports that the practice is effective in relieving headache pain.

A recent study showed that the use of acupuncture was effective in relieving the pain of migraine headaches but experts aren?t exactly sure why. They say it?s possible acupuncture has a ?placebo? effect, where the patient believes the treatment will help and so it does, without much medical basis for the benefit or relief.

Others say acupuncture works for migraine and sinus headaches because the acupuncture needles are inserted specifically to re-channel the body?s energy fields and produce a biochemical change in the body?s blood serum.

If you suffer from sinus or migraine headaches, you know that pain relief in the form of a pill can work. But after four or six hours, the pain returns and you return to the medicine cabinet for another ?hit? of the pain-relieving drug. Experts say that the use of acupuncture reduces your dependence on pain-relief drugs, whether they are addictive or not. Over time such drugs can cause liver or kidney damage, or ulcers. If you need medication from your doctor, the drugs can become addictive as well.

If you have long suffered from sinus or migraine headaches you might have turned to the use of steroid injections for relief. But these can very painful (unlike acupuncture, which most users report is painless) and if used for a long period of time can cause life-threatening side effects.

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Tension Headaches Other Treatment

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

While you may use medicine to treat or prevent tension headaches, adding stress management therapies may help reduce the frequency of your tension headaches. Talk to your doctor about trying:

* Biofeedback, a relaxation method to help you learn to control a body function that is not normally under conscious control, such as muscle tension.
* A relaxation exercise during which you focus on relaxing each muscle group. Relaxation exercises can help with tension headaches. When relaxation exercises and antidepressants are used together as treatment, the results are even better.3
* Acupuncture, which involves putting very thin needles into the skin at certain points on the body to produce energy flow along the body’s meridians. Evidence specifically for tension headaches shows that acupuncture is no better than sham acupuncture (when needles are put into the skin, but not at the right points).4
* Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which may help reduce pain.
* Cognitive-behavioral therapy or problem-solving therapy during counseling sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and problem-solving therapy can help with tension headaches. When cognitive-behavioral therapy or problem-solving therapy and antidepressants are used together as treatment, the results are even better.3
* Yoga.
* Meditation.
* Peppermint oil. There is some evidence that peppermint oil rubbed on the temples or on the tight muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders may help relieve tension headaches.

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Best Way To Manage a Headache

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Combining stress management therapies with drugs can be an effective way to manage most headaches, including migraines or tension headaches. People react differently to various drugs and stress management therapies. Finding the right combination may help you prevent and manage your headaches.

Medicines to treat frequent or severe headaches include pain relievers (both prescription and nonprescription) as well as antidepressants, seizure medicines, or beta-blockers. Educating yourself on the type of headache you have and best treatment for it can help you manage your headaches.

You may be able to reduce headache symptoms with stress management and nonmedication therapy alone, although you may need drugs if the symptoms get worse. Stress management and nonmedication therapies to help prevent and reduce the severity of headaches include:

* Biofeedback, a relaxation method to help you learn to control a body function that is not normally under conscious control, such as muscle tension.
* A relaxation exercise during which you focus on relaxing each muscle group. Relaxation exercises can help with tension headaches. When relaxation exercises and antidepressants are used together as treatment, the results are even better.
* Acupuncture, which involves putting very thin needles into the skin at certain points on the body to produce energy flow along the body’s meridians. Evidence specifically for tension headaches shows that acupuncture is no better than sham acupuncture (when needles are put into the skin, but not at the right points).
* Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which may help reduce pain.
* Cognitive-behavioral therapy or problem-solving therapy during counseling sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and problem-solving therapy can help with tension headaches. When cognitive-behavioral therapy or problem-solving therapy and antidepressants are used together as treatment, the results are even better.
* Yoga.
* Meditation.

Professional counseling can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.

Why should you quickly manage your headache?

Early treatment is important because it may prevent headache symptoms from getting worse and help you feel better sooner. You will miss less work or school, and improve the quality of your life.

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Rebound Headaches Prevention

Saturday, June 28th, 2008

Taking good care of yourself can help prevent most types of headaches.

* Avoid headache triggers. If you’re not sure what triggers your headaches, keep a headache diary. Include details about every headache. When did it start? What were you doing at the time? What did you eat that day? How did you sleep the night before? What’s your stress level? How long did it last? What, if anything, provided relief? Eventually, you may begin to see a pattern — and take steps to prevent future headaches.
* Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends. If you’re not tired at bedtime, don’t fight it. Read or watch television until you become drowsy and fall asleep naturally.
* Don’t skip meals. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Eat lunch and dinner at about the same time every day.
* Exercise regularly. Physical activity causes your body to release chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. With your doctor’s OK, choose activities you enjoy — such as walking, swimming or cycling. To avoid injury, start slowly.
* Reduce stress. Get organized. Simplify your schedule. Plan ahead. When the going gets tough, stay positive.
* Relax. Try yoga, meditation or relaxation exercises. Set aside time to slow down. Listen to music, read a book or take a hot bath.
* Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Smoking can trigger headaches or make them worse.

Complementary and alternative medicine

For many people, complementary or alternative therapies offer welcome relief from headache pain. It’s important to be cautious, however. Not all complementary or alternative therapies have been studied as headache treatments, and others need further research.

* Acupuncture. This ancient technique uses hair-thin needles to promote the release of natural painkillers and other chemicals in the central nervous system. There is some evidence that it can help control headaches and other conditions that cause chronic pain.
* Hypnosis. During a hypnosis session, a trained hypnotist might suggest ways to decrease your perception of pain and increase your ability to cope with it — such as visualizing a calm, safe place when a headache strikes.
* Meditation. During meditation, you focus on a simple activity, such as breathing or repeating a single word or phrase. The practice creates a deeply restful state in which your breathing slows and your muscles relax — which can help you manage pain and reduce the stress that can trigger or worsen a headache.
* Massage. Massage can reduce stress, relieve tension and promote relaxation. Although its value as a headache treatment hasn’t been fully determined, massage may be particularly helpful if you have tight, tender muscles in the back of your head, neck and shoulders.
* Herbs, vitamins and minerals. Some dietary supplements — including magnesium, feverfew and butterbur — seem to help prevent or treat some types of headaches, but there’s little scientific support for these claims. And ongoing challenges in regards to quality of supplements in the United States makes decisions about using herbs even more complicated. If you’re considering using supplements to treat headaches, check with your doctor. Some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or have other harmful effects.
* Chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation can effectively treat some types of pain, but studies don’t support claims that chiropractic care relieves headaches. Chiropractic manipulation of the neck has been associated with injury to the blood vessels supplying the brain. Rarely, this may cause a stroke.

If you’d like to try a complementary or alternative therapy, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

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Chronic Daily Headaches Coping skills

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

Chronic daily headaches can interfere with your job, your relationships and your quality of life. But you can cope with the challenges.

* Take control. Commit yourself to living a full, satisfying life. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Take good care of yourself. Do things that lift your spirits. Set aside time for your loved ones — and yourself — every day.
* Seek understanding. Don’t expect friends and loved ones to instinctively know what’s best for you. Ask for what you need, whether it’s time alone or less attention focused on your headaches.
* Check out support groups. When your head is throbbing, companionship may be the last thing on your mind — but perhaps it’s just what you need. A support group can put you face to face with people who share your physical symptoms and emotional responses. You may learn useful coping strategies — or help others by sharing some of your own.
* Consider counseling. A counselor or therapist can help you manage stress and maintain your emotional balance. Through therapy, you can learn to change behavior that’s not good for you and reinforce behavior that’s helping you manage your headaches.

Complementary and alternative therapies

For many people, complementary or alternative therapies offer welcome relief from headache pain. It’s important to be cautious, however. Not all complementary or alternative therapies have been studied as headache treatments, and others need further research.

* Acupuncture. This ancient technique uses hair-thin needles to promote the release of natural painkillers and other chemicals in the central nervous system. There is some evidence that it can help control headaches and other conditions that cause chronic pain.
* Biofeedback. With this relaxation technique, you can learn to control headaches by producing changes in bodily responses such as muscle tension, heart rate and skin temperature.
* Meditation. During meditation, you focus on a simple activity, such as breathing or repeating a single word or phrase. The practice creates a deeply restful state in which your breathing slows and your muscles relax — which can help you manage pain and reduce the stress that can trigger or worsen a headache.
* Massage. Massage can reduce stress, relieve tension and promote relaxation. Although its value as a headache treatment hasn’t been determined, massage may be particularly helpful if you have tight, tender muscles in the back of your head, neck and shoulders.
* Herbs, vitamins and minerals. Some dietary supplements — including magnesium, feverfew and butterbur — seem to help prevent or relieve some types of headaches, but there’s only modest scientific support for these claims. If you’re considering using supplements to treat headaches, check with your doctor. Some supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or have other harmful effects.
* Chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation can effectively treat some types of pain, but studies don’t support claims that chiropractic care relieves headaches. Chiropractic manipulation of the neck has been associated with injury to the blood vessels supplying the brain. Rarely, this may cause a stroke.

If you’d like to try a complementary or alternative therapy, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

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Migraine Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

Nontraditional therapies may be helpful if you have chronic headache pain:

* Acupuncture. In this treatment, a practitioner inserts many thin, disposable needles into several areas of your skin. The penetration is so shallow and the needles are so thin that acupuncture generally causes little or no pain or discomfort. A number of clinical trials have found acupuncture may be helpful for headache pain, but evidence from these trials isn’t strong enough for experts to routinely recommend this treatment.
* Biofeedback. Biofeedback appears to be especially effective in relieving migraine pain. This relaxation technique uses special equipment to teach you how to monitor and control certain physical responses, such as muscle tension. This technique can be combined with preventive medications.
* Massage. Although massage is a wonderful way to reduce stress and relieve tension, its value in treating headaches hasn’t been fully determined. For people who have tight, tender muscles in the back of the head, neck and shoulders, massage may help relieve headache pain.
* Herbs, vitamins and minerals. There is some evidence that the herbs feverfew and butterbur may prevent migraines or reduce their severity. A high dose of riboflavin (vitamin B-2) also may prevent migraines by correcting tiny deficiencies in the brain cells. There is also some evidence that coenzyme Q10 supplements may be helpful in some individuals. Oral magnesium sulfate supplements may reduce the frequency of headaches in some people, although studies don’t all agree on this issue. In addition, infusions of magnesium sulfate seem to help some people during an acute headache, and they seem to relieve migraine pain in people with magnesium deficiencies. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you. Don’t use feverfew or butterbur if you’re pregnant.
* Cervical manipulation. There are no scientifically valid studies that prove that chiropractic or other spine-manipulation treatments are effective in the treatment of migraine.

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Headache: Coping Skills

Monday, May 26th, 2008

Living with chronic pain can be extremely difficult. In addition to the physical symptoms, chronic pain can make you anxious or depressed. Ultimately, it may affect your relationships with friends and family, your productivity at work and the overall quality of your life.

You may find that talking to a counselor or therapist can help you cope with the effects of chronic pain. Or you may find encouragement and understanding in a headache support group. Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be good sources of information. Group members often know about the latest treatments and tend to share their own experiences. If you’re interested, your doctor may be able to recommend a group in your area.

Complementary and alternative medicine

The following nontraditional therapies may help if you have chronic headache pain:

* Acupuncture. Acupuncture may provide relief from chronic headache pain, among other benefits, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Acupuncture practitioners treat you using extremely thin, disposable needles that generally cause little pain or discomfort. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture Web site provides referrals to medical doctors who use acupuncture in their practices.
* Massage. Massage is a wonderful way to reduce stress and relieve tension. It’s especially effective for relieving tight, tender muscles in the back of your head, neck and shoulders. For some people, it may also provide relief from headache pain.

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